Western Washington University has recently posted two broadcasts from KVOS Television (Bellingham) archives, "regarding the 1966 attempt by Northwest Aluminum Company to build an aluminum plant on Guemes Island. Although favored by Skagit County and then economically depressed Anacortes, residents of Guemes Island who opposed the plan formed a citizen's action group, "Save the San Juans" led by retired Boeing executive Evan Nelson. Nelson hired a young John Erlichman (pre-Nixon) as the group's lawyer. Although Skagit County hastily rezoned a portion of the island for heavy industry, in 1967 the corporation bowed to public pressure and withdrew from this attempt. The film features short interviews with people in favor of and opposed to the proposed industrial development (all except Nelson are unidentified). In addition, there is a small amount of scenic footage."

"[The second is a] press conference by an executive spokesperson from Northwest Aluminum Company. The spokesperson (unidentified) explains the choice of Guemes Island as a site for an aluminum plant site, and the company's plan for development. Northwest Aluminum...sought a deep water site with adjacent flat acreage, and was also lured by the promise of cheap power from Bonneville power." One representative insists the industrial development will enhance Guemes Island life. There are sound problems with the videos. [Read more]